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Safe Shopping Online
Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one. Each one is detailed with tips and tricks on how to best manage your online experience.
1. Use a secure browser. This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction. Most computers come with a browser installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.
A secure browser is only important if and when you transmit private information. Private information may include your name, address, e-mail address, credit card information and any passwords or user specific information that should be protected.
To detect if your personal information is protected and transmitted securely, you can look at the address bar of the web site you're visiting, and look for an "s" following the http(s)… It will be placed after the http and before the address of the web site.
2. Review Terms & Conditions of Seller. Determine the company's refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the web site. If they are not posted, ask questions so you are knowledgeable about your seller, returns, refunds, etc.
Explore the web site you are considering purchasing from, and locate the terms and conditions. This is an area that clearly spells out methods and forms of payment accepted, shipping terms, insurance information, returns, refunds, etc. If you do not see the terms and conditions posted, inquire of the seller. You should be able to find a way to contact the seller (phone, e-mail, live-help) and ask. If you have any reservations or questions about the terms and conditions, seek clarification before placing your order.
3. Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a **password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
Most, if not all, online merchants require an e-mail address of the buyer to confirm the transaction. Consider setting up an e-mail address just for online purchasing. You can establish a free e-mail account by visiting www.yahoo.com and setting one up. Separating your personal e-mail from your purchasing e-mail can minimize spamming of your personal account, and keep all solicitations from sellers in one convenient location.
** When determining a password for any online activity, whether it is mail, purchasing, banking, etc. it is critical that it be private and hard to "guess". Many security experts suggest you should change your password every 90-120 days as an added precaution. If you must write down your password(s), do not store close to your computer.
4. Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.
You might want to explore a separate charge account for online purchases. Just as we recommended a separate e-mail address, we also recommend a charge account specific for your online transactions. A debit card does not offer the protection described above, so be sure the account you establish is for credit or charge purchases. Request and maintain a minimum credit limit, and never, ever transact with a merchant who wants to conduct a purchase that includes charge backs to your account.
5. Keep a record. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.
Just as you keep copies of store receipts and charge cards slips, you should keep records of your online purchases. Many merchants offer an order confirmation that can easily be printed for your records. Others suggest you print and keep a copy of the e-mail confirming your order. Use any method that works best for you!
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